Christmas: Stressed or Blessed
By editor on Dec 1, 2007 in Devotions, SEEK COLUMNS
Christmas: Stressed or Blessed
by Betty Overstreet
Christmas! What a wonderful time of year! Family, feasting, gifts, Christmas programs to attend….oh, yes, sometimes we forget the reason for the season amid the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts.
How many families do you know who become totally stressed out during the holidays as they wonder what to buy for everyone on their shopping list? They worry about all the money they can’t afford to spend, as they are handing that handy little plastic card to the clerk in the store.
We spend so much time shopping and being stressed out that we have no time or energy left for praising God and giving thanks for that tiny baby sent down to save us all from an eternal death.
When I was a child I remember looking forward to the Christmas play at church. We would all vie for the part of Mary or perhaps an angel and be so proud of our costume. I have heard the story so many times through the years I could almost recite it:
Luke 2: 1-14
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
When Christmas morning arrived I awoke to the fragrance of pies and cakes baking and the rattle of pots and pans as mother began to cook the Christmas dinner.
We always received a gift of some kind, usually something mother had made. We didn’t expect expensive gifts to appear under a tree because our parents weren’t afraid of making us aware that we couldn’t afford such gifts. We were a family and families stuck together through good times and bad.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to celebrate Christ’s birth in a more simple way. No credit card purchases. If we can’t pay for it, we don’t buy it. A festive dinner to share with family and friends, and how about inviting the person who lives all alone, down the street!
Now we must also remember to gather up extra canned food sitting in our pantry to put in that food collection barrel down town. Give so that others may live!
Ok, now for the fun, free part of the celebration! Look in your local newspaper and circle all the Christmas programs that are free to the public and decide how many your family can attend! Wow, our families will have more fun this year than ever in the past, and no more New Year stressing over how to pay off the plastic before another Christmas rolls around.
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Betty Overstreet is a freelance writer. Her articles, short stories and poetry have been published in various Internet magazines, anthologies, and books. She has four books to her credit: The Lord Still Speaks are you listening, Water to Wine, 2 Fish to a Feast, Mistletoe Memories & Sugarplum Dreams and her newest: From the Muddy Puddles to The Son’s Light, a collection of poetry. Ms Overstreet can be contacted through her web site: www.bettyoverstreet.com or email bettyoverstreet@hotmail.com
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